> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.arcweather.cloud/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Static Radar Service

The ArcWeather Static Radar API provides a simple way to generate **on-demand radar images** for a specific geographic area. Instead of working with full datasets or map rendering libraries, this API returns a \*\*ready-to-use image \*\*of the latest radar scan.

This makes it ideal for lightweight integrations, reports, previews, and systems that need quick visual context without implementing full map-based rendering.

<Warning>
  **Usage guidance**

  The Static Radar API is built for simple image rendering and should not be used in interactive map environments. Because the response is a single image, it will not scale or update correctly with map interactions. For dynamic or map-based applications, use the [PMTiles Radar API](/about-radar-services).
</Warning>

## How It Works

The Static Radar API is designed to be extremely simple:

* You provide a **bounding box** (latitude and longitude range)
* ArcWeather returns a **rendered radar image** for that area
* The image always reflects the **latest available radar scan**

There is no need to manage timestamps or datasets.

## Example Request

```text wrap theme={null}
GET http://conus.radar.static.prod.arcweather.cloud/radar?minLon=-96.0000&minLat=32.0081&maxLon=-89.7144&maxLat=35.0120
```

### Parameters

* `minLon` — Minimum longitude
* `minLat` — Minimum latitude
* `maxLon` — Maximum longitude
* `maxLat` — Maximum latitude

These define the geographic area you want the radar image for.

## Response

The API returns a **binary image** representing the latest radar data.

Supported formats:

* **PNG** (default)
* **WebP** (when supported)

This image can be:

* Displayed directly in a browser
* Embedded in dashboards
* Attached to reports or alerts
* Used in email or messaging workflows

## What It Looks Like

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/arcweather/RF0IV25N54WvCvYc/images/radarstaticimageexample2.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=RF0IV25N54WvCvYc&q=85&s=9fcd254e9907a85ce2a3d970d0b2c14d" alt="Radarstaticimageexample2" title="Radarstaticimageexample2" width="930" height="685" data-path="images/radarstaticimageexample2.png" />
</Frame>

## When to Use Static Radar

The Static Radar API is best suited for:

* Simple dashboards
* Email or SMS previews
* Scheduled reports
* Systems without interactive maps
* Quick visual snapshots of weather conditions

## Static Radar vs PMTiles Radar

ArcWeather offers two radar delivery methods:

### Static Radar (this API)

* Returns a **pre-rendered image**
* Very simple to integrate
* No frontend map library required
* Always uses the latest scan

### PMTiles Radar

* Returns a **full radar dataset**
* Designed for interactive maps
* Higher performance and flexibility
* Recommended for advanced applications

If you need interactivity, animation, or advanced control, use the PMTiles-based Radar API. If you just need a quick image, Static Radar is the fastest option.

## Authentication

All requests require:

* `Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY`
* `X-App: Bearer YOUR_APP_ID`

Requests without valid authentication will be rejected.

## Summary

* Returns a **static radar image** for a bounding box
* Always uses the **latest radar scan**
* Simple HTTP request, no rendering required
* Ideal for lightweight and non-interactive use cases
* Complements the full PMTiles Radar API